So, after modifying the depth of the diffuser, to allow for closer focusing and higher magnification, these 2 are my first trials. It does allow for higher mag, and the light seems to be ok still, might be a little harsh but i think thats probably due to closeness to the subject.

Scary detail of some scary critters! That's fantastic focussing and frightening close up work Derek! (You can probably tell I am still not developing any real love for bug macro work ). Your ability to move in so close with your camera and flash thing is amazing, some real stealth must be involved.

I actually think your flash is very soft looking .... this is to be expected as it is a large light source in relation to the small insects and its very close (soft light comes from being very close, hard light is from further away). I think there is a fairly rapid fall off of the light, and some elements of the images in front of the insects are more brightly lit than the insects themselves because of this fall-off. This is perhaps inevitable with direct front-on flash. I would deal with this now with some 'burning' with the Photoshop tool, just to reduce the brightness of those objects a little.

Ultimately the only way to avoid this at capture is going to be off-camera flash, but I know this would increase the complexity of this work a lot, and potentially be more disturbing to the insects.

Cheers Nigel. I'm still waiting for you to show me a sample shot before I drop a few hundred quid on ext flashes to then find out it's impractical

I had been looking at thishttp://www.venuslens.net/product/macro- ... sh-kx-800/It looks like a very versatile unit, and I've seen plenty of shots from guys well into macro who use it. Haven't seen a used one come up for sale though. My flash and diffuser at the minute stand me £37.It has it's quirks, have to hit test button inbetween shots or it won't fire, which means refinding the bugs and recomposing after each shot.But at £37 I can't really complain

Some shots could do with a little more thoughtful ppl, I often get caught in the detail and not pay close enough attention to the image as a whole. Must stop doing that Might try and make some barn door type attachments to help add shade, rather than so uniform. Not sure there's anyway to avoid or limit the falloff, is there ???

Personally I don't think there's a lot you can do practically to improve on these. You cannot mimic a studio set-up out in the wild, yes you can mess about with multiple off camera flashes but balancing the light levels, positioning, and still retaining your critical focus would be almost impossible. You have an excellent technique for hand-held macro photography, If I didn't know you I would doubt that many of your photos are actually handheld - I find it really difficult to get the critical point of focus with natural movement of hands, body, foliage and subject . I enjoy my macro photography and find your images and techniques inspiring - keep 'em coming

Cheers Lennybloke, I do think you are bang on around not being able to reproduce a studio setup in the wild. at the min i can see in the viewfinder when something pops into focus, not sure for how much longer, When shooting at this level though its difficult to see what it is that has popped into focus I do actually enjoy getting down and dirty trying to get a half decent angle I honestly dont know how you could use a tripod while rooting around flowerbeds, ditches, in the grass, up trees I do miss focus too, sometimes that can be ok, sometimes not.I dont know how inspiring i am, but i often get thoughts and ideas from other peoples shots, never really considered mine doing the same for others.

Anyway, here are a few more from today, In focus, but are the right parts in focus

Hi Harris, to be perfectly honest, using LV is not something I ever thought of, It may well be a case of the ovf being the best bet for me but i may try LV to find out.Just thinking about it, the fact that the camera is braced between both hands and my head might be giving me more stability. I will try it out and see how I get on. Right now I feel like a right plank for not having tried it